Resp Flashcards
the upper resp tract contains what?
nasopharynx oropharynx - from soft palate to epiglottis
larynx - tongue to trachea
what is the cribiform plate?
the superior portion of the nasal cavity which contains nerve endings for sense of smell - parth of the ethmoid bone.
The cribiform plate sits between the frontal and sphenoid sinus
name the sinuses
frontal, ethmoid, sphenoid, maxillary

the mucosa of the naso and oropharynx are supplied by which cranial nerve?
Cranial nerve V - the trigeminal nerve
which arteries supply the nasopharynx?
branches that run from the external carotid (maxillary and sphenopalatine)
and
the internal carotid (anterior ethmoidal from the opthalmic)
what is the role of the larynx?
separates food
protects the trachea
phonation
breathing
what does the arytenoid cartilage do?
movement is for phonation and vocalisation
which nerves innervate the motor function of the larynx?
branches of the vagus nerve:
superior laryngeal nerve (external branch)
recurrent laryngeal branch
sensory and autonomic innervation of the larynx?
branches of the vagus nerve:
superior laryngeal nerve (internal branch) above true vocal cords
recurrent laryngeal branch - below vocal cords
what is the narrowest point of a childs airway?
the crichoid cartilage (larynx)
what is Boyle’s law?
V1 x P1 = V2 x P2
volume increases so pressure decreases
what is the most important factor to determine recoil?
surface tension
which law’s relate to surface tension?
Boyle and La Place (P = 2T/r)
what is Dalton’s law?
a law stating that the pressure exerted by a mixture of gases in a fixed volume is equal to the sum of the pressures that would be exerted by each gas alone in the same volume
what is the intrapleural pressure normally?
usually around -4 mmHg but value may change
How do the pressures change during inspiration?
contraction of diaphragm and external intercostals
P pleural drops from -4 to -6 mmHg
P alveoli drops from 0 to -3 mmHg
P L (transpulmonary) is -3 mmHg - airflow goes in as this is below atmospheric pressure
PL = PA - PPL
How do the pressures change during expiration?
Insp muscles relax
P pleural rises from -6 to -4 mmHg
P alveoli rises from -3 to +3 mmHg
P L (transpulmonary) is 7 mmHg
What is tidal volume?
regular inspiration / expiration
normally about 500 mL
What is vital capacity?
maximum inhalation and maximum exhalation
about 4800 mL
Total lung capacity is normally what?
6000 mL
what is the residual volume?
the amount remaining in the lungs unable to be exhaled - about 1200 mL
what is the expiratory reserve volume?
the additional air available for forced expiration - about 1200 mL
what is the inspiratory reserve volume?
the additional volume able to be inspired above quiet breathing volume - about 3100 mL
what is the equation for airway resistance?
R airways = difference P/V (volumetric airflow)
























